What Is the Head Gasket?
The head gasket has the vital job of providing the seal between the engine block and cylinder head. Inside this area of the engine is where your car's oil and coolant is flowing through to help keep the engine cool while remaining compressed. If coolant begins to mix with oil or if oil and coolant are leaking or disappearing without any real explanation, then a blown head gasket is the likely culprit.
What Causes A Blown Head Gasket?
Various things can cause your head gasket to blow. The most common cause is your engine overheating. So it's absolutely crucial to ensure that you always have the correct amount of coolant in your cooling system with the correct water to coolant ratio. Regular use also slowly damages the head gasket over time. If you have a blown head gasket in your engine, it will require a professional mechanic's skill and understanding, such as those at Bergeron Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM. This is because the head gasket is located between the engine block and the cylinder head. It requires the engine's uninstallation from the vehicle itself to dismantle the cylinder head from the engine block to replace the head gasket.
What Are the Signs of a Blown Head Gasket?
Here are a few signs to look for regarding a blown head gasket:
- Milky build up under oil cap
- Overheating of the engine
- White smoke coming from the tailpipe
- Excessive coolant leak